Derick Elomina discovered poker at 14, playing home games with his high school friends. What began as a pastime quickly grew into a passion that shaped his career. By 21, he entered the poker industry as a field reporter — just old enough to step foot inside the casino. Starting as a hand reporter, he steadily honed his craft, blending sharp observation with growing writing skills. Known for his dedication, he constantly roams the floor to capture the action, conduct interviews, and deliver live updates. With a strong commitment to the game and a passion for telling poker’s stories, Derick continues to build his path in the industry.

Updated: 2026.01.02

Chin Yu Ku is a professional poker player from Taiwan who has become a steady presence on the Asian poker circuit. Primarily competing in his home country and the Philippines, he has built a reputation as a consistent deep-stack threat in regional mid-stakes tournaments.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Chin Yu Ku has accumulated total live earnings of $20,178. He currently ranks 866th on the Taiwan All Time Money List.

His career-best live cash of $3,139 was recorded in early 2024 at the Taiwan Millions Tournament (TMT) . Ku enjoyed a particularly active 2025 season, highlighted by several deep runs during the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila. At Okada Manila, he secured a 7th-place finish in the Megastack event for PHP 110,000 (∼$1,913) and placed 57th in the prestigious PokerStars Red Dragon for PHP 100,000 (∼$1,739). His results also include a 50th-place finish in the APPT National for PHP 71,000 (∼$1,235), further establishing his ability to navigate massive international fields.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Taiwan, where he still resides, Ku has focused his professional career on the thriving poker hubs of Taipei and Manila. He is a regular at the Chinese Texas Hold’em Poker Club (CTP) in Taipei, where he has recorded dozens of cashes in recurring tournaments and major series like the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and the AJPC Samurai Circuit. His steady rise through the regional ranks shows a transition from small daily deep-stacks to becoming a frequent contender in championship-level events across Asia.

Play Style & Strategy

Ku is recognized for his disciplined and patient tournament approach, a strategy that served him well during his multi-cash performance at APPT Manila 2025. He excels in No Limit Hold’em formats, particularly in events with “Megastack” and “Superstack” structures that allow for more strategic maneuvering. His ability to maintain consistency across different tours, including the WPT Prime Taiwan and APT, demonstrates a strong fundamental understanding of field dynamics and a resilient mindset required for high-volume tournament play.

Recent Attendances